Health care reform has arrived in Washington State. As of October 1, 2013 there will be a new Health Insurance Marketplace offered to help people obtain affordable health care coverage.
Figuring out your health insurance needs can be complicated. Then consider upcoming changes and it can become even more confusing and daunting.
That is how I felt until sitting down and speaking with Vernon and Stacy Bonfield, owners and licensed agents of the Washington Health Insurance Agency (WHIA). Within moments of meeting the Bonfields, I was comforted by their deep knowledge of health care options, concern for serving our local community during this time of health care reform, and the genuine care for their existing and new clients.
“I feel it is my responsibility to inform my clients and Washington residents of the changes in health care and provide assistance in choosing the best coverage for individuals and families,” says Bonfield.
The changes Bonfield refers to originate from the Affordable Care Act which has altered the way people can access and select health care coverage. Washington State developed the Washington Health Benefit Exchange as part of the national health care reform. They then created the Washington Healthplanfinder, which is an online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses to compare and enroll in health insurance plans. However, what I learned is while you can visit the online Healthplanfinder, if you want personalized advice at the same cost, you can consult broker Vernon Bonfield of WHIA and his new division Washington Health Insurance Exchange. Bonfield specializes exclusively in health care insurance and is a certified representative with Healthplanfinder.
Bonfield says, “We have a tremendous opportunity to help many Washington residents especially in our local community to purchase insurance through the Healthplanfinder.
I think now more than ever people need help and advice. And they can’t get advice or recommendations from anyone else than a licensed broker.”
“Not only can we offer more personalized service but we can provide an unbiased recommendation on which health insurance would be best and most affordable, even if it is an off exchange program or what we call a private exchange plan,” he continues.
Calling the help center at Healthplanfinder does not offer the same advice or suggestions for the best plan for a specific situation.
Bonfield explains that this is the key difference why someone might want to talk with a licensed broker rather than directly going to Healthplanfinder.
“We can also advise a customer on plans in the private market and see if we can save them money there. That is something they would not be able to do on their own in the public exchange,” explains Bonfield. “We will discuss with our clients their family size, household income, whether they qualify for a subsidy or not under the new exchange. If they do then we will help them select a plan inside the exchange and help enroll them from start to finish instead of them going to Healthplanfinder and doing it themselves. Again, this is all at the same cost.”
In fact, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange recently trained registered insurance brokers throughout Washington State, including the Bonfields to be available to help Washingtonians enroll in new health coverage options through Washington Healthplanfinder.
A recent press release from Healthplanfinder indicated that brokers are uniquely educated and licensed professionals that can help consumers find an appropriate health plan. While all certified representatives in the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Network can help educate residents and enroll them in coverage starting October 1, only brokers are able to recommend a specific health insurance plan based on individuals needs and budgets.
The Bonfields are eager to make the health reform process one that is simple and easy for their clients. They are approachable, well informed and sincere.
Vernon smiled warmly when saying, “Our clients rely on us to recommend what is their best option. Health insurance is such an unknown for so many people that they really need a trusted advisor. Our clients have experienced that over the years as we actually notify them when better plans come on the market, so they can be confident they are never paying more than they should.”
You can visit their new website at wa-exchange.com where you will have access to every health option available in Washington including the public exchange plans, and private plans which are all at the same cost as if you were to go directly to Healthplanfinder or a private insurance carrier.
For additional information, contact Vernon and Stacy Bonfield at 360.464.1622.
